Geotechnical design

Geotechnical design

Unlike many other materials, metals in particular, and to a certain extent wood and concrete, soil does not demonstrate any linear behaviour at all under increased tension. For instance, when soil is compressed it becomes increasingly stiffer. In contrast to this, whenever there is angular distortion soil becomes increasingly soft, which could cause it to collapse. In addition these changes often cause changes in volume. However, when soil is saturated with water, this counteracts the change in volume, which can result in a considerable increase in the pressure of the pore water.
Moreover, when digging in the ground, depending on location and depth, one will very often end up below groundwater level. In order to carry out the work in the dry and ensure the stability of the excavation, an artificial decrease in the groundwater level will be necessary.

BMNED has many years of experience and has acquired specialist knowledge in providing geotechnical advice. Some examples: